1st Test: England in Strong Reply After Pakistan’s Mammoth 556 on Day 2 of First Test in Multan with Zak Crawley

Zak Crawley Innings

England closed Day 2 of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan on a promising 96-1, responding to Pakistan’s imposing total of 556. Pakistan’s innings was highlighted by a scintillating century from Agha Salman, who remained unbeaten on 104, and strong contributions from Saud Shakeel (82), Shan Masood (151), and Abdullah Shafique (102).

Zak Crawley and Joe Root Comeback

England’s innings got off to a rocky start, with stand-in captain Ollie Pope dismissed for a second-ball duck. Pope, replacing injured skipper Ben Stokes, was caught by a leaping Aamer Jamal at mid-wicket off a Naseem Shah delivery. He had been moved up the order to open after Ben Duckett injured his thumb while fielding.

Despite this early setback, Zak Crawley (64*) and Joe Root (32*) steadied England’s ship, taking them to a solid position at stumps. England now needs 261 more runs to avoid the follow-on, a realistic target given the unhelpful pitch conditions for the bowlers.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan continued their dominance with Agha Salman building on the efforts of Shakeel and Naseem Shah. Salman brought up his third Test century shortly after tea with a single off spinner Jack Leach. His brilliant knock of 104 off 119 balls featured 10 boundaries and three sixes. He also reached a personal milestone of 1,000 Test runs during this innings when he hit 71. Salman’s partnership of 85 for the ninth wicket with Shaheen Shah Afridi (26) further boosted Pakistan’s total.

England’s bowlers struggled on a flat track offering little assistance. Jack Leach was the pick of the attack, finishing with figures of 3-160. Gus Atkinson claimed 2-99, while Chris Woakes, Shoaib Bashir, and Joe Root chipped in with a wicket each.

Shakeel’s composed 82, which included eight boundaries, was another highlight of the day. He added a crucial 57-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Salman before being caught at slip by Root off Bashir’s bowling.

Brydon Carse, making his Test debut, had an impressive outing, taking 2-74, including dismissing Jamal for 7 and Naseem Shah for 33, both before lunch.

With England trailing by 460 runs and nine wickets in hand, the stage is set for an intriguing contest as they look to close the gap on Pakistan’s commanding total.

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